化粧品のピロ亜硫酸Naは肌に悪い?

Is sodium pyrosulfite in cosmetics bad for your skin?

Antioxidants used in cosmetics

Cosmetics contain oils, surfactants, vitamins, etc. Normally, these ingredients oxidize and deteriorate little by little when exposed to air.

Oxidation causes unpleasant odors and discoloration, making it impossible to maintain the stability of cosmetics. It not only reduces the quality of the product, but also causes irritation and stress on the skin.

Sodium pyrosulfite is used as an antioxidant to prevent deterioration of cosmetics.

For this reason, antioxidants are used in many cosmetics to prevent the oxidation and alteration of the ingredients, and to prevent deterioration.

The antioxidants used in cosmetics include the following:

They come in a variety of types, from natural to synthetic ingredients.
They may be used alone or in combination with other ingredients for greater effectiveness.

Although all of these ingredients are generally considered safe in Japan, there are some that people with sensitive skin may want to be careful about.

In this article, we will explain in detail about one of them, pyrosulfite.

Sodium pyrosulfite, which is also used as a food bleach, is an antioxidant in cosmetics.

What is sodium pyrosulfite?

Sodium pyrosulfite is used in a wide range of fields, including not only cosmetics but also food and pharmaceuticals. In addition to being used as an antioxidant, it is also used for the following purposes:

Food preservatives

As a food preservative in jams, potato chips, dried fruits, fruit juices, pickles, etc.

Pharmaceutical preservatives and stabilizers

As a preservative and stabilizer in medicines such as anesthetics, antifungals, steroids, and eye drops

Antibacterial agents for clothing

As a disinfectant or antibacterial agent applied to food and clothing before shipping

Allergy to sodium pyrosulfite

Cosmetic ingredients include: Sodium pyrosulfite has been used for over 40 years, and during that time it has been said to pose almost no risk of skin allergies.

However, a 2012 survey paints a slightly different picture.

In patch tests conducted on 2,763 people between 1990 and 2010, 124 people (4.5%) had positive allergic reactions. Of these, 40.3% had symptoms on the face, 24.2% on the hands, and 6 patients reported symptoms throughout the body.

This study showed that the risk of developing allergic dermatitis due to sodium pyrosulfite may be more frequent than previously thought.

Allergic risk of sodium pyrosulfite revealed by patch test

Sodium pyrosulfite is also used in hair dyes, so the link with skin disorders on the hands of hairdressers and barbers should also be considered.

Of course, it's not just hairdressers who need to be careful - anyone who uses cosmetics on a daily basis is at risk of allergies.

What happens if I have a skin allergy?

People who have been sensitized to sodium pyrosulfite through the skin will experience allergic symptoms if the ingredient is used in cosmetics. These symptoms include a rash and redness, and in some cases blisters.

Also, people who have developed an allergy to sodium pyrosulfite may have a non-zero reaction to sodium sulfite. Sodium sulfite can also be found in foods and beverages, so considering the relationship between cosmetic ingredients and food allergies , it may be reassuring to be careful not only about what you apply to your skin, but also about food additives.

Risks of inhaling sodium pyrosulfite

The US cosmetic safety rating organization, EWG, rates sodium pyrosulfite as 2 to 6 out of 10 (1 being the safest). It is said that safety is low especially in spray or powder type cosmetics, where there is a risk of inhalation.

Be careful if face powder or spray-type cosmetics contain sodium pyrosulfite.

But what are the risks of inhaling sodium pyrosulfite through your nose or mouth?

A study using rats published in 2018 pointed out the toxicity of sodium pyrosulfite when inhaled. The study also described the risks when combined with PG , which is often used in cosmetics. The risks are as follows:

When sodium pyrosulfite is inhaled alone

- Potential for cytotoxicity at certain concentrations or higher

When sodium pyrosulfite and PG are combined

・Symptoms such as nasality, sneezing, and eye irritation that were not seen when sodium pyrosulfite was used alone ・Increased impact on respiratory and pulmonary epithelial cells

summary

Sodium pyrosulfite is generally considered safe, but it is becoming known that it does pose a significant risk of skin allergies.

It has also been reported that inhalation can have an effect on the respiratory system and lungs, so it may be a good idea to be on the safe side and check that spray or powder type cosmetics do not contain this ingredient.

Useful information is being distributed via LINE

CONCIO Academy's LINE account provides tips on how to choose better cosmetics. Please use it to make truly kind choices for yourself and your loved ones .
Register here → https://lin.ee/jAkRPAs

"CONCIO" - A company that thoroughly researches the risks of cosmetic ingredients

CONCIO is the first additive-free skin care product in Japan to receive EWG certification, meeting new standards.

Focusing on the risk of skin irritation and allergies caused by cosmetic ingredients, we strictly adhere to our own safety standards and do not use 2,500 ingredients.
We deliver world-class peace of mind to sensitive skin in Japan.

https://concio.jp/

CONCIO Minimalist Skincare

*This does not guarantee that skin irritation or allergies will not occur in all people.

Back to blog
RuffRuff App RuffRuff App by Tsun
1 of 3